I want to get something out of the way first: I hate Togetherness. I can’t stand the characters, I can’t stand the message, and I can’t stand a whole host of other things. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t good, well-put together television. I’m going to try to divorce myself from my ever-growing distaste for the settled, upper-middle class struggles narrative, and try not to let it affect my judgement in terms discussing the craft of the show.
Now:
I thought that tonight’s episode was a really solid continuation of the themes Togetherness had previously established. The Michelle/David stuff has really paid dividends, giving a pair with real chemistry that wasn’t forced together. Their excursion into that abandoned building, looking for a place for their charter school, was a masterclass in normal human interactions on film. The moving of the chairs and the struggles of getting the door open, plus the really funny closet bit, really added a layer of normality. It’s the kind of scene that makes you forget you’re watching television and really pulls you into the world they’ve created.
The Michelle character has been a treat. Melanie Lynskey is really awesome in this role, and she brings a warmth to a character that could easily be written off as the stereotypical ‘frigid’ wife. The only part of the character (show-wise) that I don’t like is her interactions with Tina. They are varied and all over the map; for example, the conflict they had this episode was more than a little out of left field. Michelle’s criticism of Tina’s actions was both baseless and really strange, considering that she really doesn’t hang around Alex and Tina. I’m sure they have in the off-screen parts of the show but you can’t just say “you’re taking advantage of someone” without actually showing them seeing something like on-screen. Plus, I think her criticisms are dumb and a little bit discomforting about being a tease but we’re getting into my own dislike again.
Speaking of Tina/Alex: I’m starting to lose interest in the Alex character. He doesn’t make any sense, whatsoever. Dude is a struggling actor who lost his job and has no prospects, and one of his close friends gets him a part, and he just takes a giant dump on it. It makes no sense. His anger at having to take the ‘fat friend’ parts are only valid if he actually got the jobs in the first place. Tina stuck her neck for him, to get a credit to his name, and he acts like she’s the bad guy.
Okay, I can’t stand it. QUICK RANT: The way they treat Tina’s actions are abominable; Michelle says Tina is taking advantage of Alex, even though she’s both inspired him, spent time with him, gave him a job, got him in shape, got him a part. Alex isn’t interested in Tina as a friend, but as a potential lover; I don’t know what Tina feels about Alex, but at the moment, she isn’t reciprocating. That’s what Alex is mad about. He’s not getting any from his idealized dream-girl and his underwear is in a twist. That’s garbage. I don’t like it.
Also, the Brett character? Come on, son. You have obviously been working in film for a long time; you’ve got a comfortable job, and solid career prospects. I guarantee you that if you posted your job on Mandy, everyone would apply for it. Sometimes your job sucks, and that sucks. But you don’t work a job in which the people around you are a constant! You literally have new colleagues all the time! Deal with the fact that this guy is an overpaid douche bag and suck it up until the next job comes along!
Obviously, I failed at being objective.
There is a lot that is good about this show, but this episode was easily the worst of the bunch. But! There’s a silver lining: the show can’t get any worse that this; and if it did, it might actually be campy fun. So, please, Togetherness; go up or down, because this middle stuff is bad for you.
Stray Thoughts
– Crazy Woods Lady was awful.
– The kids just didn’t exist this episode, which was weird.
– No Alex/Brett interactions, nor were their any Brett/Tina interactions. Brett doesn’t overlap enough with other characters.
– Charter schools are garbage. Fight me.
[Photo via HBO]
Follow Us
